We have had many discussions about the Chipotle which opened up at 3113 14th Street, NW. It was a surprisingly (to me) controversial topic. I want to revisit it for one primary reason – it is always packed! I mean, I can walk by this place at 2:30 in the afternoon and there is a line. At noon and there is a line snaking completely around the store. And mind you, the line is comprised of black residents, white residents and latino residents. I mean it seems to be a real melting pot. This is not up for debate. It is very successful. But I am curious to hear from those who opposed its arrival. Seeing the success it has achieved among all residents, do you still think it was a bad idea for Columbia Heights (or any other neighborhood for that matter)?


This is not confirmed but I’m hearing that the construction near the west side of the Columbia Heights metro is to install another “solar flower” like those currently on the CH plaza. I hear there will only be one added here but again this unconfirmed at the moment. I’ll be sure to update with photos if this turns out to be the case.

And in other Columbia Heights news – the building at 11th and Park Streets, NW that will house the new restaurant and bar Meridian Pint has posted a new alcohol application license. Back in January we learned that the main floor restaurant will be called Meridian Pint while the downstairs bar will be called the Joint Chiefs. From the application:

“New contemporary American cuisine with 111 seats and a total occupancy load of 111. Request an Entertainment Endorsement with live acoustic music. No nude Performance.”

Wow, this is the first time I’ve ever seen “No nude Performance” on one of these…

Meridian Pint and the Joint Chiefs are slated to open in early June.


“Dear PoP,

My boyfriend’s bike was stolen out of our “secure” underground parking garage some time this week at 14th and Kenyon.

He put up a Craigslist post:

Someone stole my 2005 Specialized Allez Elite road bike from the (supposedly secure) garage of my apartment building. It has a very distinctive gray to black fade powdercoat on in it. I’ve posted a picture of the frame. If you see or hear ANYTHING about this bike, please get in touch with me as soon as possible. I don’t have a lot of money, but I can afford up to a $100 reward for the safe return of my bike.

Please call 304-280-6548 to call if anyone spots it.”



Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From an email:

“The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) is seeking members of the Columbia Heights community to submit proposals for 17 streetscape mosaic medallions along 14th Street NW between Park Road and Irving Street. The medallions are expected to be installed by the end of summer 2010. The goal of this project is to integrate public space with private and public development and to capture the unique qualities of Columbia Heights. For more information please see attached call to artist or go to http://dcarts.dc.gov/dcarts/cwp/view,a,3,q,527999,dcartsNav,|31591|.asp.

Deadline: MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010 at 6:30pm Design Assistant Workshops: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24TH from 6:30pm-8pm and SATURDAY, MARCH 27TH from 12:00noon-1:

Honorarium: $500″

More info here as well CALL FOR COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ARTISTS FINAL


This home is located at 1314 Girard Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Unique home w/ contemp/traditional flair! Eclectic style with something for everyone. Expansive LR/DR w/ banded parquet hrdwd flrs, Chic kitchen w/ custom euro cabs, cork flrs, Spacious MBR suite w/ clawfoot soaking tub/shower, exposed brick, charming rear yrd w/ fish pond, 2 off str pk spaces, In-law suite rented for $900/mo, Metro, Target, Tivoli 3 blks.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Well, this one went under contract in less than 7 days but I think the inside looks super cool so I still wanted to share it. What do you think of the house itself? Asking price was $649,000 for this 3 bed/3.5 bath.



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A number of readers have written in about this incident. Here’s the official word from MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are currently investigating a homicide that occurred in the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW.

At approximately 2:36 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, officers from the Third District responded to the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, to investigate the possible report of trouble at that location. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unidentified male believed to be an adult, suffering from apparent multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported by personnel from the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to an area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM [E] (1-888-919-2746).

Council Member Jim Graham adds:

“Dear Friends, around 3 AM this morning, an as yet to be identified Latino male was fatally stabbed in the 3500 block of 14th St NW…at a location just north of the gas station.

MPD does not have an identification on the victim at this point, nor have any arrests been made.

All I have been told is that the victim was walking on 14th St and some kind of argument occurred on the sidewalk, with the stabbing resulting.”

And in other crime news there was also a shooting at 8th and N Streets, NW last night:

“Residents of PSA 308 need to be aware that around 8:30pm tonight, there was a shooting at the intersection of 8th and N Street, NW. As a result 1 adult male was transported to a local hospital. The suspect vehicle is described as a silver, four door, late-model vehicle.”


Awesome find by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC:

Postcard of Central (now Cardozo) High School, in Columbia Heights in Washington, DC. Reverse is dated 1926, and reads:

“The Central High School is one of the largest and most modern institutions of its kind in the United States. It contains a large swimming pool where the pupils are taught swimming and lifesaving. The Stadium is used by all the high schools for football games and athletic track meets. The large auditorium is used for public functions and Community Center activities. The stage is the largest in the city and the proscenium arch is one of the largest in the world.”


This house is located at 3829 10th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“HIGHLY EFFICIENT in every way. The renovation is superb, the location is ideal 2blks to Metro & resturants. 3 lovely BRs w/ HUGE closets. 3.5 BAs w/ granite, ceramic & nickel. An open floor plan adorned w/ crown moldings, tray ceilings, chair railings, hrdwd flrs, surround sound, intercom, granite, stainless appl, 42’bambo cabinets, breakfast nook, full entertaining bsmt, 1 car garage, 2 car pkg pa”

You can find more info and lots of photos here.

What do you think of the reno itself? Does $639,000 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/3.5 bath?


For the longest time I thought the Dry Cleaners coming soon sign was only a myth. Well it looks like Thai Tanic II is now going to have some company in the retail space of the Allegro building located at 3462 14th Street, NW. Work has progressed on the space and there are proper permits for a dry cleaners in the window.

And just up 14th Street, NW Social has applied to open up its third floor space. I liked how they wrote a personal letter to the community in addition to the license:


Thanks to all the readers for sending the word about tonight’s second meeting.

Please join DPR
Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. to discuss improvement for the 11th and Monroe Streets Park
Metropolitan Police Department Substation
750 Park Road, NW

After the jump you can see the meeting notes from the previous meeting in Feb. (more…)


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